Thanksgiving is here and you want to roast a Turkey. Fantastic! This is the beginner’s guide to “How to Roast a Turkey,” which offers the easiest way to achieve a juicy, golden brown bird every time. single. time. I promise it’s so much easier than you think. ANYONE can make a great turkey. When you combine my recipe for delicious gravy and cornbread stuffing, Thanksgiving is ready to be served!
A 19-pound Butterball turkey will take approximately 3.5 to 4 hours to cook in a regular oven at 325°F. This is just an estimate and the actual cooking time may vary depending on several factors including:
- Whether the turkey is stuffed or unstuffed: Stuffed turkeys will take longer to cook than unstuffed turkeys.
- The type of oven you are using: Convection ovens cook food faster than regular ovens.
- The accuracy of your oven thermometer: Make sure your oven thermometer is accurate to ensure your turkey is cooked to the correct temperature.
Here is a table that shows the approximate cooking times for Butterball turkeys of different weights:
| Weight | Cook Time (Unstuffed) | Cook Time (Stuffed) |
|---|---|---|
| 6-7 lbs. | 2-2½ hrs. | 2¼-2¾ hrs. |
| 7-10 lbs. | 2½-3 hrs. | 2¾-3½ hrs. |
| 10-18 lbs. | 3-3½ hrs. | 3¾-4½ hrs. |
| 18-22 lbs. | 3½-4 hrs. | 4½-5 hrs. |
| 22-24 lbs. | 4-4½ hrs. | 5-5½ hrs. |
| 24-30 lbs. | 4½-5 hrs. | 5½-6¼ hrs. |
To ensure your turkey is cooked safely and thoroughly it is important to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The turkey is done when the thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh (not touching the bone) registers 180°F. If the turkey is stuffed the thermometer inserted into the center of the stuffing should register 165°F.
Here are some tips for roasting a Butterball turkey:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F.
- Remove the turkey from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to allow it to come to room temperature.
- Pat the turkey dry with paper towels.
- Place the turkey on a roasting rack in a shallow roasting pan.
- Brush the turkey with olive oil or melted butter.
- Season the turkey with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs.
- Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh (not touching the bone).
- Roast the turkey until the thermometer registers 180°F.
- Let the turkey rest for 15 minutes before carving.
Here are some additional resources that you may find helpful:
- Butterball Turkey Talk-Line: 1-800-BUTTERBALL (1-800-288-8372)
- Butterball website: https://www.butterball.com/
- USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service: https://www.fsis.usda.gov/
Please note that the information provided in this response is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.
How long to cook Turkey per pound
So there are all sorts of oven temperatures and roasting instructions floating out in the ether online when it comes to turkey roasting. Here’s how I do it and it seems pretty fail proof: Preheat your oven to 450 degrees. Once your turkey is prepped and ready to go, stick that pretty bird inside your preheated oven and immediately reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees. Roast your turkey until the breast reaches an internal temperature of 170 degrees F and the thigh is 175 degrees F, about 12-13 minutes per pound for an unstuffed turkey. Start checking for doneness thirty minutes before it is estimated to be done with an instant read meat thermometer (this is the one I have and works great! Under $20.)
For a stuffed turkey, allow 15 minutes for every pound.
Calm Down, Oven Roasted Turkey is easy!
Thanksgiving wouldn’t be Thanksgiving without turkey. It’s the ultimate job to be in charge of roasting *THE* turkey for Thanksgiving. A lot of pressure rides on you. You either dry that sucker out or give everyone food poisoning. It turns out that there is a happy medium! You can achieve a perfectly cooked, juicy bird with little effort that will be enjoyed by all. Continue reading, my dears; there’s a stunning golden bird at the end of the road.
How to Roast a Turkey – Butterball
FAQ
Do you cook a Butterball turkey at 325 or 350?
Is it better to cook a turkey at 325 or 350?
How long to cook a 19 pound unstuffed Butterball turkey?
How long do you cook a Butterball turkey?
Place the turkey in a roasting pan and cover with aluminum foil. Roast the turkey for 15 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Once the turkey is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for up to 30 minutes before carving. Tips for Cooking a Butterball Turkey
How long does it take to cook a 20 pound turkey?
In an oven set to 325 degrees Fahrenheit, cooking an 18- to 20-pound unstuffed thawed or fresh turkey will take between 4 1/4 and 4 1/2 hours, according to the USDA. This amounts to about 14 minutes of cooking time per pound. For a 19-pound turkey, this comes to about four hours and 26 minutes. Stuffing your turkey will increase the cooking time.
What temperature should a Butterball turkey be cooked at?
Cook the turkey at a temperature of 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Rest the turkey for at least 30 minutes after cooking it. the optimal cooking temperature for a Butterball turkey is 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature will ensure that the turkey is cooked through and safe to eat, while also preventing it from becoming dry or overcooked.
How long do you cook a Turkey in the oven?
Stuff the turkey loosely, and do not pack the stuffing too tightly. Place the turkey in a roasting pan and cover with aluminum foil. Roast the turkey for 15 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Once the turkey is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for up to 30 minutes before carving.